Julie Ambos

Julie's fascination with photography started early. Hanging in her family home were two side-by-side portraits: one of her sister, perfectly coiffed and surrounded by carefully arranged stuffed animals; and one of Julie, tangled hair, one sock falling down and struggling to put on a pair of shoes. Julie passed those photos every day until the idea that people and character should be in photographs was as second nature as bee-bopping to ’80s music.

Fast-forward fifteen years and you will meet a self-made, successful, award-winning artists who, despite her interest in all visual mediums, has devoted herself exclusively to candid moment driven photojournalistic photography in Key West.

Below the bubbly surface that will charm both bride and groom is a serious professional and incredible artists.

Judges

Yikes, not sure I would want to be at this party. Hard to figure out exactly what is happening but both those faces are great.

Oh my! Well, I assume there are worse places to have your face mashed even as this groom's expression and distorted right eye mimic scenes of a heavy-weight boxing match. But what would be a scene like that without the help of friends, one of them, far left, who has apparently already shed his coat shirt and tie. So, perhaps this is a match of the smashed and the mashed. But it's the hapless bridesmaid, caught in the middle, that brings this moment together.

Judges

For a photographer to take his/her eye of the faces of the bride and groom during the ceremony is probably risky, but this was worth the risk. The hands are so telling. You can feel the moment when they are saying their vows through these gestures, and it oozes with emotion.

Judges

This picture is amazing, because even though it's a still life of clothing, you get to finish the action in your mind. The groomsmen gathered to dress, rushing around. There is a sense of anticipation which was unique for such a quiet image.

The evenly-weighted composition is foundational here. It’s a fun graphic photo that speaks to the role that rooms play on a wedding day. The ties and jacket are also waiting behind the scenes, to be wed together on this day.

Judges

Because this contest is for wedding PHOTOJOURNALISTS – celebrating storytelling is important. This image tells a powerful story of this family. It is a sensitive moment and not all photographers would take this picture, but it is a powerful photo from the day and deserves recognition.

Judges

I enjoyed how the background and thoughtful composition took this moment to new heights. It’s a sweet moment framed in the door. Interestingly, consider how the long blonde hair of the woman helping the bride, acts as an important element of leading the viewer to the kissing couple. But I particularly enjoyed the subtle extra level in this image - the delicate camisole hanging the window.

Judges

Some images are delightful not only because a wonderful moment was seen and recorded, such as this, but also because of the sincerity of style adopted by the photographer. In other words, we should be aware that the moment needs little help from us other than our willing availability as a witness wielding a camera.

Judges

What a delightful image of a child being a child. Who else would think to do a snow angel using confetti? I suspect the thrill for the child had more to do with getting dirty. It’s too bad adults grow away from this kind of behavior. Of course, to do this act as an adult might get you escorted into a cab for suspicion of conspicuous inebriation. Nonetheless, this image captures a moment of childhood freedom and proves once again that kids are often the most daring and shocking guests at a party.

Judges

This is a beautiful image of the bride. We often can tell a lot about a person by the way people react to them. The way the photographer shot this allows us to see her in a natural but flattering way – through the expressions of her parents.

When is the last time you saw a group hug as lovely and enthusiastic as this? It’s reminiscent of an athletic team winning the championship. Love and congratulations all wrapped into one ecstatic moment. Captured simply, cleanly, and at the precise split- second in time.

Judges

Judges

A backlit dress hangs elegantly in a doorway as the bride is beautifully side lit unzipping it. Adding to the frame is the woman backlit holding the veil. This photograph is framed well and the use of light gives it more intimacy.

Judges

Precious, she’s trying to be such a good girl, with a little coaxing to keep her well behaves. The lens choice was perfect on this one since the background is a bit busy, but the way it was shot and framed make her the focal point, yet intimate in the scene. Really nice!

Judges

Judges

This photo is bizarre and fantastic. Reminds me of the sword swallowing guy at Coney Island. The harsh flash adds a bit of a Arbus-esque look and really adds the the quirkiness of this photo. The contrast of the sideshow freak and the mundane man with the kid is great. The bride may not love it but I do!

What a bizarre scene! I really love it. In this case the strobe shadow works, adding a cinematic quality to the juxtaposition of the two contrasted moments happening in the picture. Wish I had a caption on this one!

Judges

Judges

Some nice shapes in this photo along with a fun moment. Looks like the photographer took the extra effort to have off camera lighting here which really helps the photo. Love the way the light falls on each person.

5 TOP Wedding Photographer Titles

The WPJA proudly recognizes Julie Ambos as a TOP International Wedding Photographer. Members holding the most contest points at the end of each year are ranked as TOP Wedding Photographers or, in some cases POY - Photographer of the Year.

Need a Family Photographer?

Family Photojournalist Association, an organization devoted to accrediting and promoting the expertise of family photographers who deploy still-photography reportage and documentary authenticity to tell the story of the family.

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Lifestyle Photographers Association members will work with you and all subjects to help stage your interactions and direct you throughout the photography session. This level of involvement allows the photographer to deliver the best lifestyle portraits.